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Barbara McCarthy huddled in the backroom of the bookstore with the photo Autumn had given her and historical records of Knollwood. Her lame attempt to hide the shock of seeing a picture of her great-aunt still fooled Autumn. The family rumors about Great-Aunt Ann and Horatio Peabody whispered their way through generations of McCarthys, but Ann’s disappearance was never resolved.
Abigail Peabody’s departure coincided with Ann McCarthy’s, but both families worked hard to quiet the gossip. Barbara had her own suspicions and resented that Great-Aunt Ann was part of the household staff at the Peabody Mansion and likely one of Horatio Peabody’ many lovers. Was Ann a willing participant or taken against her will by Horatio as so many housekeepers had been before her?
A part of her f
